Buyer’s Guide to Bowriders

The waters aren’t too cold yet. You still have time to go shopping for your next bowrider so you can take advantage of the changing fishing seasons. Bowriders offer a lot of great features and perks, but they’re not all built the same because not every water enthusiast needs the same things from their bowrider. That’s why Yankee Boating Center has provided some tips for choosing the right bowrider for you and your family. Then you can stop by one of our locations in Lake George and Haverstraw, New York so we can show you some of the models we have available right now, including a range of Monterey boats. We’re near Albany, so stop by today!

Budget

Start with one of the more limiting factors, your budget. While we don’t want you to aim too low, it’s important to be realistic about what you can afford and what you’re willing to spend. While it’s nice to think we can spend all the money we want on whatever, there’s no point in creating a stressful financial situation over something that’s supposed to help you relax. We recommend setting a range. 

Take a look at some of the average prices for the market, so your range is realistic, and then decide how much you’re willing (and able) to pay, both initially and long term. It’s important to give yourself a little wiggle room, so don’t set the top of your budget at your absolute maximum spending limits. This will actually give you more flexibility while potentially also helping you save money and keep you out of a pinch.

Performance

When you’re looking at the bowriders themselves, think about some of the performance features you’d prefer on your model, namely the engine. Engine size often dictates how expensive a particular boat is, so you should figure out how big you want your engine to be as you’re creating your budget, since this will greatly impact what you can expect to spend. Smaller engines will be easier to handle and maintain while bigger engines will pack a better punch on the water. The best way to decide what’s right for you is to take some boats for a test ride. You’ll want to focus on cruising speed to help make this decision, and figure out what’s most comfortable and manageable for your skill level.

Capacity

Next, think about the size of your biggest boating party. This may be your family that you’ll bring with you on a regular basis, or it might be the guests you bring on every once in a while. At the very least, everyone should have a place to sit when the boat is in motion, both for safety and comfort reasons. Take note of how many seats you’ll need and find a bowrider that can accommodate this size. 

Activities

Finally, you’ll want to figure out what you intend to do with your bowrider. These boats are incredibly versatile, so whether you enjoy fishing, water sports, or simply a relaxing afternoon on the water, your bowrider will help you enjoy all your favorite on-water activities. But if you shop wisely, you might be able to find models with special features to help you enjoy these activities even more, like rod holders or more comfortable seat cushions. 

Include your preferred activities in your notes when you go to your local bowrider dealership so our friendly staff at Yankee Boating Center can help you find the perfect boat. Or let us know how we can better help you narrow down your options in some other way. We’ll answer all your boating-related questions, so if you’re from Lake George, Haverstraw, and Albany, NY, then don’t wait! Stop by and take the next step toward a better boating experience.